This year, two board positions were up for election. Incumbent members Neil McRae and Pete Stevens stood for re-election, while Paul Dunbar (Akamai) and Nico Walters (CMC Networks) were nominated as new candidates.  

Following the election, Neil McRae and Pete Stevens were re-elected to serve a new three-year term on the LINX Board. 

Neil McRae has been involved with LINX since its birth back in 1994 and has proudly served as a LINX Board member for many years. His passion for this industry is rooted in its mission: connecting people:

“For me, being part of LINX is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. I believe that connectivity is a powerful equaliser that opens doors to opportunity, and I speak from personal experience, having built my career through self-taught skills and a relentless drive to learn and contribute. LINX is a crucial platform in enabling its members to connect people.”
 

Pete Stevens is an active member of the LINX community and is also grateful to be re-elected; 

“I’m thrilled with what has been achieved during my time on the LINX Board. I’ve become vice chair of the board and the chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit subcommittee. During my tenure on the board we’ve appointed a new CEO, CFO and changed our auditors to RSM. We’ve opened multiple internet exchanges around the world and now have five exchanges regularly pushing over half a terabit of traffic; one of which is less than twelve months old. I have also served on the governance committee which has now completed revising all the founding documents of LINX. This is a necessary development to place LINX on a firm legal footing for the future whilst still protecting member interests.” 

The LINX Board plays a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction and governance of the organisation, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of its membership and the broader Internet community. 

Jennifer Holmes, CEO of LINX, commented on the results:

“We’d like to thank all the candidates for standing for election. The voting this year was quite competitive which reflects the strong interest in LINX as a membership run organisation within the membership. I’d like to thank Neil and Pete for their dedication to the role so far and congratulate them on their re-election. LINX holds board elections every year so I look forward to welcoming more candidates into the process next year.”

For more information about LINX’s governance and board activities, click here. 

Pulsant is a long-standing member of LINX, with Points of Presence (PoPs) in Manchester and Edinburgh, and active participation across all three major UK LINX Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), including London. This enhanced partnership allows clients to take full advantage of this geographic diversity, with dedicated connectivity across all three strategic locations in the UK.

“No other colocation provider connects all three LINX points of presence with a national backbone. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing clients with access to our leading platformEDGE™ infrastructure and connectivity options through a robust, low-latency network fabric. This ensures they can operate efficiently, develop and deploy services quickly, and grow their business effectively, wherever they are.” said Mike Hoy, CTO at Pulsant.

Pulsant clients colocated in any of their data centres across the UK, can access LINX services in London as well as Manchester and Edinburgh, via a dedicated connection. The recently acquired SCC data centres in Birmingham and Fareham will be added in the second half of 2025.

Colin Peckham, Interconnection and Partnerships manager, LINX commented; “It’s great when we collaborate with partners like Pulsant who are just as passionate about delivering value and future-proof technology to their clients. We are excited to work with, and welcome networks colocated in any of Pulsant’s UK data centres to LINX, from Milton Keynes to Newcastle!”

“LINX is one of the world’s largest and most respected internet exchanges, facilitating high-speed, low-latency connections for a wide range of businesses. By becoming a ConneXions Reseller Partner, Pulsant is positioned to offer even more comprehensive solutions to its clients, further solidifying its role as a key player in the data centre and cloud services industry.”

A Year Marked by Advancements in Version 3.0, Community Engagement, and Expanded Functionalities

Laying the Groundwork for IX-API 3.0

In 2024, IX-API took a major step forward by initiating work on version 3.0 of the specification. A first draft proposal for asynchronicity was introduced, marking a critical advancement toward improving scalability and efficiency. Additionally, efforts began to rationalize the data structure, ensuring native support for Layer 3 products. These changes set the foundation for a more flexible and robust API, capable of supporting the evolving needs of internet exchanges and cloud networking.

Hands-On Community Engagement: IX-API Workshop at Euro-IX

The IX-API initiative kicked off the year with an interactive workshop held alongside the Euro-IX Forum in Rhodes in May. This event brought together a packed room of industry professionals, all of whom had the opportunity to run basic IX-API use cases using the newly re-launched IX-API sandbox UI . The hands-on approach provided participants with practical insights into the capabilities of IX-API, fostering broader adoption and deeper engagement within the community.

Enhancements in IX-API 2.x: Expanding Capabilities and Performance

2024 also saw two important releases in the IX-API 2.x series, with versions 2.5 and 2.6 introducing several key features:

• Sharing Metrics Option – Enhancing transparency and efficiency in capacity planning.
• Pagination Support – Improving data handling for large-scale deployments.
• Layer 3 Configuration Enhancements – Supporting routing function functionality, further strengthening IX-API’s capabilities in network automation.
• RTT Statistics Added to Core Specification – Providing essential insights for performance monitoring. Also for the first time the IX-API provides streaming updates by means of server-sent events.
  These updates solidify IX-API’s position as an essential tool for automating and optimizing internet exchange services.

A Highly Active and Collaborative Working Group

The IX-API Specification Working Group played a vital role in these advancements, maintaining a high level of activity throughout the year. The group held weekly calls and met twice in person – in London, hosted by LINX (in June) and in Amsterdam, hosted by AMS-IX (in October) – to drive progress on the specification. DE-CIX is already scheduled to be the next host in 2025. This dedication to collaboration and continuous improvement ensures that IX-API remains at the forefront of industry standards.

Riccardo Verzeni, Director of Software Engineering at LINX says;

“With IX-API 3.0, we’re taking a significant step forward in automation and interoperability. By focusing on asynchronicity and a more structured data model, we aim to simplify integrations with internal systems and enable seamless Layer 3 support. Building on the solid foundation of Version 2, we’re continuing to refine and expand the API to better serve the evolving needs of the interconnection community.”

Looking ahead to 2025

It’s crucial for us to find effective strategies to integrate these new standards into the Internet Exchanges ecosystem. Beyond the purely technical aspects, we will also focus on growing the active user base and driving broader adoption of the standard.

With the foundation for IX-API 3.0 taking shape and continuous enhancements to version 2, the initiative is well-positioned for even greater strides in the coming year. As adoption grows and more industry players join the movement, 2025 promises to be a year of even broader implementation and refinement.

IX-API remains committed to driving automation, interoperability, and efficiency in the internet exchange ecosystem, shaping the future of interconnectivity services worldwide.

This certification is highly regarded by leading purchasers in the financial sector and reflects LINX’s continued commitment to meeting industry standards and demonstrating robust credentials.

In the past two years, major UK banks and building societies experienced over 33 days of unplanned IT outages, totalling over 800 hours across 158 incidents, highlighting the critical need for robust IT infrastructure and stringent security measures in the financial sector.

FSQS is a collaborative community of financial institutions including banks, building societies, insurance firms and investment service providers that has established a unified standard for managing the complexity of third- and fourth-party information. This framework helps organisations demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements, policies and governance controls.

LINX first attained FSQS certification in September 2021, driven by growing demand from enterprise and financial networks, where such accreditations are often a prerequisite for engagement.

With a long-standing reputation for delivering reliable peering and interconnection services, LINX has traditionally served a niche market within the telecoms sector. Its membership has primarily comprised Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and networks that exchange or stream large volumes of online content. Over the years since first receiving their certification, this member base has grown increasingly diverse, reflecting the evolving demands of the digital landscape.

Daniel Smith, Cybersecurity Policy Manager at LINX, commented:

“We’re proud to have been recertified with the FSQS registration mark. This recognition reinforces our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, security and transparency. Some of our largest members are now from the financial services sector and this accreditation is a credit to our commitment to ensuring we are doing all we can to deliver the best service we can.”

Today, LINX supports a growing number of networks from the financial services industry, helping them take greater control of their traffic and optimise routing for enhanced performance and security. This ongoing certification reinforces LINX’s position as a trusted and vital partner for global networks seeking secure and high-performance interconnection solutions.

Find out more about LINX services for networks within the financial sector here.

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The vision of a new interconnection hub in Riyadh was first announced in 2022 following the success of the LINX powered IXP in Jeddah, the fastest growing interconnection hub In the Middle East.

Halil Kama Interconnection Specialist for LINX says; 

“We are very pleased with the success of JEDix since the launch of the IXP back in 2019. Over 40 ports are currently connected and the capacity is due to exceed 3Tb very soon. The partnership with STC, and now Center3 has also grown, and we are very proud to be able to be their trusted technical partner as we expand into new regions like Riyadh.” 

Digital transformation remains high on the agenda for KSA as they continue their work towards the Saudi Vision 2030. For the majority of the projects including smart cities, AI in healthcare and digital banking, strong connectivity is a key factor to success.   

The new Internet Exchange Point in Riyadh is now live and located within the Remal facility, RDC102, with quite the waiting list of global networks looking to interconnect and start peering across the LINX powered platform.  

Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a thriving digital hub, ranked 30th in the global smart city ranking, coming out ahead of Paris, Berlin, and Madrid, the tech scene is moving at a fast pace.  

Halil continues; 

“The growth of the digital landscape in KSA has been incredible and the timing for our new IXP in Riyadh is perfect. Having worked closely with the customers connected in Jeddah, many are keen to connect in Riyadh too in order to regionalise their network traffic even further. This is a key point for any network strategy, lowering latency even more and improving performance for the end user.” 

By leveraging LINX’s world-class technology and expertise, the Riyadh IX will provide a robust platform for internet service providers (ISPs), content delivery networks (CDNs), and enterprise networks to interconnect and exchange traffic locally. This method of network management increases control which is a key benefit with the fast growth in online traffic.  

The team at LINX are confident the new Riyadh hub will follow the success in Jeddah where traffic being passed there recently exceeded 750Gbps.  

Set to transform the interconnection landscape in Riyadh, enhancing the speed, reliability, and efficiency of internet connectivity for businesses and end-users alike – watch this space for more updates on the LINX powered IXPs in the Middle East. 

Being a mutual company, the global Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is controlled by its members and appoint a Board of Directors to oversee the operations of the organisation.

LINX had advertised earlier this year that two places on the Board would be up for election. One being due to Mike Blanche reaching his term limit after nine years of committed service. The other in Alex Bloor whose three-year term was coming to an end.

The governance team at LINX received a good number of nominations from industry representatives and are pleased to announce that Alex Bloor was re-elected for another three-year term.

Alex has had a lifelong interest in the telecommunications industry and as General Manager of Andrews & Arnold Ltd (AS20712) a niche Internet Service Provider he brings a wealth of experience and voice to the LINX Board.

Alex commented;

“Sincere thanks to all who voted for me. I feel fortunate and grateful to be re-elected. For the next three years, I will carry on doing what I have been doing; offering thoughtful and cautious input into the LINX Board discussions and decisions.”

The second candidate, who was elected by vote of the LINX members is Cara Mascini, she will join as a Non-Executive Director.

Cara is no stranger to LINX having worked in the industry for over 25 years. She spent 10 years as an executive at AMS-IX and most recently at her own micro data centre company EdgeInfra and leading the EMEA Open Connect team at Netflix.

Cara commented on her appointment;

 

“It is an honour for me to be able to serve on the LINX Board. I will bring my broad industry experience to the Board, ensuring relevance and resilience at a time where the role of IXPs in the Internet infrastructure ecosystem is changing.”

Learn more about the governance roots of LINX here; https://www.linx.net/governance/

LINX’s overarching goal is clear – to continue to deliver and increase the value it offers all of its members. Effective engagement and interaction are the compass guiding us toward achieving this goal. After all, how can we add value without a deep understanding of our members’ needs, challenges and opinions? We value this engagement and consider it an important differentiator to us as a company.

In the fast-paced interconnection market of today, the opinions of, and feedback from our valued members form the foundations of our success. This engagement goes beyond merely tracking and reporting – we actively seek feedback, setting yearly objectives to encourage these touchpoints. From hosting member-centric events to harnessing feedback from automated sources, we strive to enhance the member experience and the value the members see from their membership.

But why is this member engagement so pivotal?

1. Strategy Alignment: Member engagement allows us and our members to be aligned on strategic focus It keeps us grounded on our overall goals, creating a symbiotic relationship where both LINX and its members thrive.

2. Community Building: Beyond transactions, engagement fosters a sense of community, strengthening the bonds that define LINX as a membership owned organisation.

3. Feedback and Improvements: Engaged members serve as valuable conduits for feedback, paving the way for continuous improvement and increased value delivery.

4. Sustainability: Engaged members are more likely to remain connected, ensuring the sustainability of our community.

5. Advocacy: Engaged members become advocates! Helping us to highlight our value in the industry.

In the LINX Community, member feedback isn’t just heard; it shapes our decisions. Whether launching new products or refining company strategy, we turn to our members for insights. Identifying industry trends and addressing member pain points are integral to creating additional value for our membership.

Monitoring this feedback isn’t just a proactive measure; it’s a commitment to safeguarding our reputation and understanding the sentiments that shape LINX’s journey.

In essence, customer engagement is not just a strategy for LINX – it’s the heartbeat that propels us forward, ensuring a vibrant, responsive, and mutually beneficial relationship with our valued members.

LINX’s overarching goal is clear – to continue to deliver and increase the value it offers all of its members. Effective engagement and interaction are the compass guiding us toward achieving this goal. After all, how can we add value without a deep understanding of our members’ needs, challenges and opinions? We value this engagement and consider it an important differentiator to us as a company.

In the fast-paced interconnection market of today, the opinions of, and feedback from our valued members form the foundations of our success. This engagement goes beyond merely tracking and reporting – we actively seek feedback, setting yearly objectives to encourage these touchpoints. From hosting member-centric events to harnessing feedback from automated sources, we strive to enhance the member experience and the value the members see from their membership.

But why is this member engagement so pivotal?

1. Strategy Alignment: Member engagement allows us and our members to be aligned on strategic focus It keeps us grounded on our overall goals, creating a symbiotic relationship where both LINX and its members thrive.

2. Community Building: Beyond transactions, engagement fosters a sense of community, strengthening the bonds that define LINX as a membership owned organisation.

3. Feedback and Improvements: Engaged members serve as valuable conduits for feedback, paving the way for continuous improvement and increased value delivery.

4. Sustainability: Engaged members are more likely to remain connected, ensuring the sustainability of our community.

5. Advocacy: Engaged members become advocates! Helping us to highlight our value in the industry.

In the LINX Community, member feedback isn’t just heard; it shapes our decisions. Whether launching new products or refining company strategy, we turn to our members for insights. Identifying industry trends and addressing member pain points are integral to creating additional value for our membership.

Monitoring this feedback isn’t just a proactive measure; it’s a commitment to safeguarding our reputation and understanding the sentiments that shape LINX’s journey.

In essence, customer engagement is not just a strategy for LINX – it’s the heartbeat that propels us forward, ensuring a vibrant, responsive, and mutually beneficial relationship with our valued members.

First established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1969, this day marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. Over the decades, the telecommunications sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, continually pushing the boundaries of how we connect, communicate, and share information globally.

The Evolution of the Telecommunications Sector

The telecommunications sector has seen extraordinary advancements from the era of the telegraph to today’s high-speed internet and mobile networks. Initially, telecommunications relied heavily on wired connections, with Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone in 1876 revolutionising personal and business communications. The 20th century introduced wireless communications, with the development of radio and television broadcasting then the advent of the internet in the late 20th century marked a new era.

The creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 transformed telecommunications, allowing for the seamless exchange of information across the globe. Mobile technology followed suit, with the first generation (1G) of mobile networks in the 1980s evolving to the current fifth generation (5G), each iteration bringing faster speeds, greater reliability, and new applications for technology in everyday life.

The Role of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)

In the intricate web of modern telecommunications, Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) play a crucial role. IXPs like LINX are physical infrastructure that allow different internet service providers (ISPs) and content delivery networks (CDNs) to exchange internet traffic. This process, known as peering, enhances the efficiency and speed of data transfer, reducing latency and improving overall internet performance.

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) stands as a prime example of an influential IXP. Founded in 1994, LINX has grown to become one of the largest and most established IXPs in the world. By facilitating direct interconnections between networks, LINX ensures that data can travel via the shortest and most efficient paths, which is vital for the functionality of modern internet services, from streaming videos to real-time communications.

LINX Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

This year marks a significant milestone for LINX as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Over three decades, LINX has not only contributed to the efficiency and reliability of the internet but has also been at the forefront of innovations in the telecommunications sector. From its early days with just five members, LINX has expanded to support over 900 networks, highlighting its pivotal role in global internet infrastructure. The interconnection services they provide have also evolved, from peering for traditional ISPs and CDNs, to welcoming all sectors to their platform from finance to gaming to enterprise to government networks.

To commemorate this landmark anniversary, LINX is hosting a series of events and initiatives. These celebrations aim to reflect on their journey, honour the contributions of their members, and discuss future trends and innovations in telecommunications. Events include keynote speeches from industry leaders, technical workshops, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster collaboration and drive the sector forward. Watch this space for more information and activity surrounding the celebrations, but for now – save the date!

World Telecommunications Day serves as a reminder of the profound impact that communication technologies have on our lives. The theme this year surrounds sustainability. Find out how to get more involved; https://www.itu.int/wtisd/